New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has completed 63.8% of his passes for 585 yards through three games. As the Patriots prepare for Week 4, attention has now turned to his right shoulder.

Speaking at the Patriots’ September 30 press conference at Gillette Stadium, Drake Maye said his right shoulder injury has not affected his throwing and that he was listed on the injury report but was a full participant in practice.

"That’s this position. There are reps in the game, and there are ones that cost you," Maye said. "It happens to be that you’ve got to outweigh the good with the bad by a wide margin to play well at this position, and that’s quarterback…playing football." 

The shoulder issue dates back to last season, when Maye injured his right throwing shoulder during the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos after a 13-yard scramble. He finished the game, but the injury remained a concern heading into Super Bowl LX, as per the Patriots Press Conferences YouTube video.

The current season has been a major change from Maye’s 2025 campaign. He finished last season with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Through three games this year, he has just one touchdown against six interceptions and has been responsible for seven total giveaways.

The Patriots are 1-2 heading into Week 4, including a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in which Maye threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

For now, Maye says he feels good throwing the football despite his shoulder history. He also addressed a separate report about his relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

Drake Maye addresses reported rift with coach Mike Vrabel

Speaking at the same Wednesday press conference, Drake Maye also addressed reports of friction with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, dismissing the claim and backing his coach.

The report came from WEEI’s Greg Hill, who suggested there was an issue between Vrabel and Maye. Vrabel was asked about the claim before Wednesday’s practice and dismissed it, pointing to Maye as a major reason he chose to coach in New England.

“He heard from who? Unnamed sources? Let me just tell you why I’m here,” Vrabel said. “I’m here because Drake was the quarterback. Believe it or not, I had choices as to where I wanted to coach… if they want to ask me why I’m here.”

Maye was then asked directly about the reported rift and strongly backed his head coach, praising the way Vrabel pushes him and coaches the quarterbacks.

“Coach Vrabel’s been one of the best football coaches I’ve had in my life,” Maye said. “I think Coach Vrabel’s been one of the biggest things as to why this has been so enjoyable for me is playing for Coach…it won’t change.”

With both Vrabel and Maye dismissing the report, the two have made it clear that their relationship remains unchanged, and Maye will now focus on delivering better performances for the Patriots.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj